There were high hopes for the Philadelphia 76ers’ ‘Big Three’ of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, but injuries destroyed their chances of making serious noise in the 2024-2025 season.
While Maxey was relatively healthy, appearing in 52 games, Embiid played in just 19 and George in 41. It seems a bit foolish to give up on this trio already, but George underwhelmed even when on the floor. He averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds on 43% shooting and 35.8% from three-point range.
Maxey’s youth makes him arguably the least likely of the Sixers’ stars to see a change of scenery, and Embiid’s situation is so complex that it would be tough to find a respectable return and realistic destination for him.
Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on March 04, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on March 04, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
This leaves George, who Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley predicts Philadelphia could give up on in a trade for nine-time All-Star and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The proposed details see Paul George, Jared McCain, a 2028 first-round pick (via LAC), a 2030 first-round pick and a 2032 first-round pick go to Milwaukee for Antetokounmpo.
Buckley wrote, “If Embiid is flashing MVP form, maybe that’s reason for Daryl Morey and Co. to throw caution to the wind and try capitalizing on whatever remains of the big fella’s prime.”
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“Losing McCain, the biggest breakout of the 2024 draft class despite having his rookie year cut short, would sting a lot and maybe qualify as full-on reckless if he was attached to these picks, but a clean bill of health may be all that an Embiid-Antetokounmpo-Tyrese Maxey trio would need to take over the NBA,” Buckley concluded.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way, which is this trade is incredibly unlikely to take place. The Bucks can certainly find a better return package for Antetokounmpo than this, and the 76ers are likely not looking to move George and McCain so soon.
This move would become even riskier a year from now, as Antetokounmpo would be entering the final guaranteed season of his three-year, $175 million extension.
It’s a fun scenario to explore with some upside for both parties, but the cons and risks simply outweigh the pros.
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